Rectangular Pleated Filter Assembly for Compact Housing Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical cartridge filters do not effectively utilize the space inside filter housings, limiting the volume of fluid that can be filtered in a given size, and there is a need for a more efficient filter configuration that can increase filtration capacity or filter the same volume in a smaller housing.
Innovation Solution
The use of rectangular shaped filters with pleated media and a central void, supported by a perforated structure, arranged compactly within a filter housing to maximize filtration area and fluid flow, along with a separation plate to facilitate efficient fluid flow and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical cartridge filters are used in filter housings, then the filters are easy to manufacture and use, but the space inside the filter housing is not effectively utilized, limiting filtration capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is divided into multiple rectangular filter cartridges arranged in parallel within the housing. Each cartridge contains pleated filter media that is folded to create a rectangular cross-section with a central void. This segmentation allows multiple filter surfaces to be packed into the housing space more efficiently than a single cylindrical filter, thereby increasing overall filtration capacity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the traditional cylindrical filter shape to a rectangular cross-section with pleated media. This dimensional change allows the filter to better utilize the cubic space within rectangular or square filter housings. The pleated configuration creates a central void that进一步优化了空间利用和流体分布，enabling more efficient space utilization and increased filtration area within the same housing volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical cartridge filters are used in filter housings, then the filters are easy to manufacture and use, but the housing size must be larger to achieve the same filtration volume
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the filtration function into multiple rectangular cartridges, the invention achieves higher filtration capacity per unit housing volume. The rectangular shape with pleated media allows tighter packing and more efficient space utilization compared to cylindrical filters, reducing the overall housing volume required for the same filtration performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular cross-section with pleated media optimizes the fit within rectangular or square housing configurations. This dimensional change eliminates the wasted space that occurs when cylindrical filters are placed in rectangular housings, thereby reducing the total housing volume needed while maintaining ease of manufacture and assembly.
3Productivity
If rectangular filters with pleated media are used, then filtration capacity and surface area are increased, but the filter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pleated filter media is segmented into a regular folding pattern that creates uniform pleats with a central void. This segmentation approach, while increasing surface area, maintains a predictable and repeatable structure that simplifies manufacturing and assembly. The modular rectangular cartridge design further segments the overall filter system, making each unit independent and easier to handle despite the complex internal pleated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pleated configuration adds a third dimension to the filter media structure, creating a three-dimensional array of filter surfaces around the central void. This dimensional transformation increases the effective filtration area without proportionally increasing the external dimensions of the cartridge, thereby enhancing filtration capacity while controlling structural complexity through geometric optimization.
4Productivity
If rectangular filters are arranged compactly in filter housing, then space utilization is maximized, but fluid flow paths become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple flow channels, each serving a specific rectangular cartridge. The inlet distributes fluid evenly across multiple parallel flow paths, and the outlet collects from each channel separately. This segmentation of fluid flow paths, while necessary for compact arrangement, is designed to be systematic and modular, reducing the complexity of flow distribution compared to a single complex path.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular cartridge arrangement with central voids creates a three-dimensional flow pattern where fluid moves through multiple parallel channels. This dimensional arrangement allows for more efficient space utilization while maintaining relatively simple laminar flow paths through each individual cartridge, avoiding excessive turbulence despite the compact configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The rectangular filters increase filtration capacity, reduce pressure drop, and enhance filtration efficiency by maximizing surface area and reducing turbulent flow, allowing for longer operational cycles and improved separation of fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The support is preferably made of a rigid material. The filter support can be perforated to allow fluid flow inside the void created by the pleated media.
Implementation Method 2
The rectangular shaped filters are generally comprised of a rectangular shaped top cap, a rectangular shaped bottom cap, and filter media extending between the top cap and the bottom cap.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a rectangular shaped filter and coalescer elements and a vessel that houses a plurality of such rectangular shaped elements. Greater filtration or separation efficiency is provided due to increased number and alignment of rectangular shaped filter elements in the vessel. The rectangular shaped filter elements are also easy to replace.